Disney+ is set to welcome back one of its earliest animated stars, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, in a new television series spearheaded by Jon Favreau, who is writing and producing the project. Described as an animation/live-action hybrid, the series promises to reintroduce the “saucy, self-absorbed bunny” to audiences, drawing on a character whose complex history with Disney laid the groundwork for the creation of Mickey Mouse. The development, first reported by Deadline, underscores Favreau’s growing influence at the studio, where he has become a key figure in shaping its streaming slate over the past decade.
Favreau’s track record with Disney is impressive. He launched The Mandalorian in 2019, a flagship series for Disney+ that spawned spinoffs like The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka, and Star Wars: Skeleton Crew. His work extends beyond television, with successful big-screen reimaginings of The Jungle Book (2016) and The Lion King (2019), both blending live-action and photorealistic animation. Now, he’s turning his talents to Oswald, a character with deep ties to Disney’s origins, blending his expertise in serialized storytelling with the studio’s animation legacy. The series’ hybrid format could mirror the innovative techniques he employed in his feature films, though specifics remain under wraps.
Oswald’s story begins in 1927, when Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks created him for Universal Pictures. With his floppy ears and playful demeanor, the rabbit starred in 27 shorts and quickly gained traction. But in 1928, a contract dispute saw Universal seize control, leaving Disney empty-handed. Undeterred, Walt debuted Mickey Mouse later that year in Steamboat Willie, a move that turned a setback into a triumph. While Mickey soared, Oswald lingered in Universal’s hands, his presence diminished over time until he became a distant memory in Disney’s narrative.
Decades later, Disney CEO Bob Iger prioritized Oswald’s return. In 2006, the company struck an unusual deal with Universal, swapping sportscaster Al Michaels for the rabbit’s intellectual property rights—a trade that highlighted Iger’s determination to reclaim a piece of Disney’s past. Since then, Oswald has popped up occasionally, from the Epic Mickey video game to a 2013 short, but this Disney+ series marks his biggest spotlight yet. Favreau’s involvement adds heft to the revival, given his knack for honoring tradition while crafting fresh narratives.
The timing feels right for Oswald’s comeback. Disney+ has become a hub for revisiting the company’s archives, with reboots and reimaginings thriving on the platform. Though less known than Mickey or Donald Duck, Oswald carries a unique blend of historical significance and untapped storytelling potential. His arc—born of ingenuity, lost to circumstance, and redeemed through persistence—echoes Disney’s own journey. Favreau, busy with projects like the 2026 film The Mandalorian and Grogu, seems poised to shape Oswald into a character that resonates in 2025, whether as a nod to the 1920s or a reinvented figure for today.
Details on the series are still emerging, but anticipation is building. Favreau’s ability to balance legacy and innovation makes him a fitting steward for Oswald’s next chapter. As Disney+ continues to mine its past for future hits, this rabbit’s return could prove the studio still knows how to turn a long-lost tale into a modern blockbuster.
